From Shikha Controversy to 'Dharma Yudh'... Swami Avimukteshwaranand Issues Board
The conflict stemming from the Shikha controversy has escalated into an ideological struggle, as Swami Avimukteshwaranand has announced the formation of a 'Dharma Yudh Board' symbolizing the divide between religious beliefs and political power.
The ongoing dispute over the Shikha controversy has evolved into an open ideological confrontation, with prominent figures within the saint community taking sides. Much of this tension has found a focal point in the declaration made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of the Jyotish Peeth, who introduced the 'Dharma Yudh Board.' This move indicates that the struggle is no longer confined to rhetoric; it is now manifesting in symbolic political divisions.
This board visually represents the split between the saint community and the secular power structure, suggesting a confrontation over core beliefs like cow protection, truth, and the role of the Shankaracharya on one side, and the political apparatus, including the Chief Minister, on the other. Notably, the image of Ravindra Puri Maharaj, President of the Akhada Parishad, has been incorporated into this symbolism, reinforcing the stakes of this ideological battle.
The board features inscriptions that articulate the stance of the saint community regarding cow protection, framing it as a 'Dharma Yudh' or religious war. One side reads, 'I stand with cow, truth, and Shankaracharya,' while the opposing side states, 'I stand with revenue, power, and the Chief Minister.' This deliberate framing highlights the escalating ideological contest surrounding cow protection, emphasizing the role of belief systems in Indian politics.